Pet safety
Is Pink Surprise calendulatoxic to cats & dogs?
Calendula officinalis 'Pink Surprise'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- No — non-toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- No — non-toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Pet-safe · botanical name Calendula officinalis 'Pink Surprise'
Is pink surprise calendula safe for cats and dogs?
Yes — ASPCA non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Pink Surprise calendula is a sensible choice for a pet household; a curious nibble will not poison anyone. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Calendula officinalis (garden marigold / pot marigold) is listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. It is widely used in pet-safe herbal preparations. Note: do not confuse with Tagetes (French/African marigold), which is listed as mildly toxic. The pink salmon colour of 'Pink Surprise' does not change this safety profile.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | No | Pet-safe |
| Dogs | No | Pet-safe |
What happens if a pet eats pink surprise calendula?
Because pink surprise calendula is non-toxic, a curious nibble will not poison a cat or dog. That said, no plant is meant to be eaten: a large quantity of any foliage can still cause mild, short-lived stomach upset or vomiting simply through fibre and volume. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy after eating any plant is always worth a call to your vet, because the reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or a pesticide rather than the plant itself.
What to do if your pet ate pink surprise calendula
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move pink surprise calendula out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of pink surprise calendula to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pink Surprise calendula and pets — frequently asked questions
Is pink surprise calendula toxic to cats?
Pink Surprise calendula (Calendula officinalis 'Pink Surprise') is non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Calendula officinalis (garden marigold / pot marigold) is listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. It is widely used in pet-safe herbal preparations. Note: do not confuse with Tagetes (French/African marigold), which is listed as mildly toxic. The pink salmon colour of 'Pink Surprise' does not change this safety profile. It is a sensible pick for a cat household, though no plant should be a regular snack.
Is pink surprise calendula toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Pink Surprise calendula (Calendula officinalis 'Pink Surprise') is non-toxic to dogs. Dogs that gulp large amounts of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing even on a non-toxic plant.
What happens if my pet eats pink surprise calendula?
Because pink surprise calendula is non-toxic, a curious nibble will not poison a cat or dog. That said, no plant is meant to be eaten: a large quantity of any foliage can still cause mild, short-lived stomach upset or vomiting simply through fibre and volume. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy after eating any plant is always worth a call to your vet, because the reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or a pesticide rather than the plant itself.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate pink surprise calendula?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of pink surprise calendula to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
Which other plants are safe for cats and dogs?
Reliable non-toxic houseplants on the ASPCA list include spider plant, areca palm, calathea, peperomia, and most true ferns. You can browse Growli's full pet-safety library to check any plant before you buy it, and every entry cites the ASPCA classification it is based on.
Full pink surprise calendula care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete pink surprise calendula care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.